Country music is known for its storytelling, and honest depictions of everyday people. Which is why it’s funny, that so many country stars have used STAGE NAMES this whole time. Here are some country artists, and their real names, that might surprise you:
1. Garth Brooks’ full name is Troyal Garth Brooks.
2. Hank Williams’ real name is Hiram King Williams. But Hiram doesn’t have that same country twang as Hank does. And Hank Williams Jr.’s real first name is RANDALL.
3. Patsy Cline’s real name was Virginia Patterson Hensley.
4. John Denver’s real name was Henry John Deutschendorf Jr.
5. Conway Twitty’s real name is Harold Lloyd Jenkins.
6. Randy Travis’ real name is Randy Traywick.
7. Eric Church’s full name is Kenneth Eric Church. Although, Kenneth wouldn’t look as cool with sunglasses.
8. Faith Hill’s real name is Audrey Faith Perry. The surname Hill she got from her first marriage.
9. Luke Bryan’s full name is Thomas Luther Bryan.
10. And Shania Twain was born Eileen Regina Edwards. Twain is from her stepfather, and Shania is anyone’s guess.
The 60th annual ACM Awards are planning something special for Keith Urban, who’s celebrating his 25-plus year career. Keith will receive the Triple Crown Award, which can only be given out to artists who have won New Artist of the Year . . . Artist of the Year . . . and Entertainer of the Year. The last time the award was given out was in 2010, when Carrie Underwood achieved the honor. Keith will be joining great names like Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Dolly Parton, and Brooks & Dunn as Triple Crown winners. To celebrate him, the ACM Awards will feature a medley of his greatest hits, all sung by superstars like Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, and Brothers Osborne.
“Dolly: An Original Musical” just announced that they have cast THREE women to play Dolly. Their names are Katie Rose Clarke . . . Carrie St. Louis . . . and Quinn Titcomb. The show will make its world premiere on July 18th in Nashville.
Blake Shelton just celebrated his 30th #1 hit in country music with his song, “Texas”. As of last year, only ten other country artists in history have more than 30, so it’s a big deal. Although he still has a long way to get to the top. George Strait has 60 #1s . . . so you’re only halfway home, Blake. When asked about his latest success, here’s what Blake said: “30 is a lot of anything, and to have 30 number one songs is unbelievable, and I’m really trying to take it all in. I have to thank the fans and the industry for their support throughout these years.” Blake’s new album, “For Recreational Use Only”, comes out on Friday.
George Clooney is 64.
Roma Downey is 65.
Tom Bergeron is 70. Former “Dancing with the Stars” host.
Tony Blair is 72. England’s prime minister for most of the George W. Bush years.
Bob Seger is 80.
